Uyen Nguyen: I think it’s just always been inherent. Despite going to University and traveling, I always wanted to come back and do culinary.

AB: Where have you worked professionally as a chef?

UN: My first Vegas experience was at Le Cirque — it set the foundation for me. I learned a lot coming from France; it was a good stepping stone and transition. Also Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay and Pâtisserie Gaulupeau (France).

AB: Do you hire chefs with and without a culinary school background? Would you recommend culinary school to aspiring chefs?

UN: I think if you take it seriously. Some people treat it like college and just party because there are no exams and stuff. But if you go to the right school and take it seriously, you can get a lot out of it.

AB: Who are some of your mentors?

UN: Gaston Lenôtre and my mom.

AB: What question gives you the most insight to a cook when you’re interviewing them for a position in your kitchen?

UN: Who is your favorite pastry chef and why?

AB: What advice would you offer young chefs just getting started?

UN: To be really ready to work hard. It shows right away in a kitchen if you're not willing to put in the hours and work hard. You have to be ready to work hard and really pursue it.

AB: Is there an ingredient that you like to work with , that you feel is particularly underutilized or underappreciated in pastry?

UN: Right now we have a dessert on the menu with young coconut. [With young coconut’] you have the fresh water with hundreds of nutrients, and the flavor – the meat inside is very, very flavorful. Most people just drink the water inside.

AB: What are a few of your favorite flavor combinations?

UN: I like everything salty. We like to add a subtle amount of salt to our pastry – it brings out the flavors. Also fruit and herbs — basil goes with everything, it's everyone's best friend. When it's used correctly, it can be great.